Ok…. Sure. It’s not a one off… but the 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder built by request is my all time favorite “bespoke”. And if someone wants to cry foul because they built 10, then fine… I’ll be more specific and go with the all Alloy version of the same which only 2 were built. And for something that beautiful, 2 is close enough for me to be considered “one-off”!! ... View more

Heck Holley doesn't need to send them one -- They'll just tig together a bunch of beer cans together as runners! ... View more

Would this have been the first (and only) production 4 cylinder turbo with side pipes? ... View more

I can’t believe I’m going to admit this - because I’m too young, but I really liked the Buick Rivera when they were new (and I was 19) and I like them even more now. It was really the last of the full size convertible and maybe that’s the draw. It’s the exact opposite of most of the other convertibles I’ve owned. Dang… this gray hair is getting to me. ... View more

Samurai -- "... surprising that 33 percent of quotes come from collectors 60 and over." Not really when you think about it. Most common place I've seen them in the last 10 years has been behind an RV. Which make sense: very light to pull, small for easy towing, the SUV itself gets great gas milage, and (was) much cheaper than a Jeep (by far the #1 tow behind). It is about the perfect RV companion. ... View more

If you want to see pantina/POS, google "Holy Goat GTO"... pulled from a gun range that had a full mechanical-only restoration. I've seen this car in person and its a riot. THAT car is the definition of interesting - this car.... Restore it. For the reasons mentioned already: this is from neglect - outdoor neglect - not use, racing, or other story. But either way, this car will find fans and as far as investment -- in todays world with 'patina cars -- profits will be much bigger sticking to mechanical/interior resto only ... View more

I was going to comment but @hyperv6 said everything perfectly. ... View more

We were just joking yesterday about someone trying to steal my '55 truck... setting the choke exactly in the right spot... knowing you need to press the floor starter... and then knowing how to drive a 3-on-the-tree... But the 914 has this beat in spades!! Very entertaining story that reminded me of my Fiat ownership days. ... View more

I live in Kansas and having bought and sold 35+ classics I have seen everything with KS DMV and inspection process. One of the dumbest arguments involved attempting to impound my 1955 Chevrolet 3600 Series II pickup because of suspected VIN tampering. Problem #1, the highway patrolman I got (Hwy Patrol does all inspections in KS) had a bad attitude to begin with and was about 20 years younger than the truck itself. At the time, the truck had 36K original miles and totally unrestored and in very good condition. His first "issue" was the motor stamping didn't match the VIN, therefore it wasn't original. When I explained that didn't start until 1960 with GM and even later with trucks, that lead to Problem #2 - I pointed out he was wrong. Even better, he refused to look at my phone when I googled it. He then went down the path the VIN had been replaced because the VIN plate didn't fit the recess in the door pillar and was spot welded (correct for '55) not rosette rivets, therefore they are impounding the truck. Again I explained the 55 Series 1 cab and Series 2 cab were the same cab and the recess for the VIN was the early tag size, they changed VIN tags sizes in late '55... also, spot weld was correct for that year truck. Problem #3 - I pointed out he was wrong again. As they say, three strikes and you're out. I clearly was trying to sneak in a stolen vehicle, should be arrested, jailed, truck crushed, my children given to more fitting homes, and house burned to the ground. What ensued next was a 30 minute argument, threats of impounding, threats of arrest, and "Post Commander" getting involved. Because of the types of cars I frequently registered, I got to know another Highway Patrolman, Paul, who did VIN inspections, about 10 years my senior, and actually knew his stuff. He was working a different location and I negotiated having Paul review "the case". I am not exaggerating what happened next - Officer Paul looks at the pillar, opens the hood, points out matching VIN stamped in the frame, and 3 minutes later problem solved. That was 8 years ago and since then, I call ahead to find out when and where Officer Paul is working. Absolutely nightmare from a power hungry, "never question authority" patrolman. Sometimes it really is about who you know. ... View more

I've seen the Monza GT in person and its more beautiful in person. Change the flip top lid to gull wings and it would have been a production winner. Stunning. I had never seen the Bertone Alfa Romeo Canguro before this article and I would love to have that in my garage. Beautiful lines. ... View more

This is a great step 2 article. Step one, and much harder, is to find the barn find in the first place! Tom Cotter illustrates this very well which is just talk to people all the time so everyone you know - knows you are in the market. I uncovered a stash of 3 cars in one estate - in a 70 yr old hand built shed that hadn't seen the light of day for 30 years. In it included a 26K orig mile 1939 Ford Business Coupe (story published in Street Rodder; I bought and sold a few years ago), a 21K orig mile 1948 Lincoln Continental V12 2-dr Coupe (brokered for the family), and a 37K orig mile 1955 Chervolet 3600 pickup still with the original bedwood & is currently sitting in my garage. How did I find these cars? My father-in-law making small talk with his family doctor, doctor mentioned having these old cars his 98 yr old blind father had and didn't know what to do with them - and God bless my father-in-law - he tells him all about his son-in-law who is really into old cars. Similarly, a work buddy went to an estate sale, sees an old car in the garage - talks to the widow - discovers the car hadn't moved in 10 yrs since her husband died, he calls me, long story short I ending up buying a very well preserved 1966 25K orig mile MGB GT and a matching color 1971 BSA motorcycle with less than 4,000 miles. The key to this one is I treated her with respect, offered a fair price, and even brought it by for a ride after it was back on the road. That lead to her friend calling me who was an original owner of a 1968 Firebird 350 4spd convertible she wanted to sell (couldn't push clutch anymore). Point is you can't buy a barn find until you find a barn find. ... View more

I love Barris work - how could you not. But, as Paul McCartney is claimed to have said "Once in awhile you make a stinkery-doo". ... View more

My company is involved with some special engineering projects with the major automakers which I can't discuss publicly (I know that sounds so douchey & stupid to even type that but in this case its true). My opinion from what I've seen - EV isn't a fad OR the future... it is a stepping stone. There are some very interesting technologies we are working on and being worked on by others. In history, EV's will be the "Compact Disc" of automotive history... Game changing but short lived. But, as Dennis Miller used to say: "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong." ... View more

DRAT!!! I am looking for an non-traditional British GT-type and love the era and style of this… of course because it’s a 6 figure car and out of my price range. Ugh!!! ... View more

My son played junior golf all over the country, LOTS of road trips so 7-8hr drives are nothing for us. BUT, it wasn't until he got his college scholarship when started traveling in style! Last year, we took money saved for college and bought an RV to follow him. Talk about reduction in 'mother nature' stops, passenger - walk back and go - no stopping, driver - any parking lot or exit ramp, quick stop and go -- its a beautiful thing! Plus, the variety and type of snacks has changed entirely!! Pizza Rolls, poppers, fresh microwave popcorn... you name it. ... View more

I don't know how it started but Hot Tamales are requirement in our family. We never have them in the house or any other time. It is a road trip exclusive. ... View more

I went for the first time this year - my buddy had a super bird there… which didn’t even make it into this article which should show how quality this show was. Simply amazing!! A MUST do bucket list item. ... View more

When did GMC and RAM start building 2 door coupes? Ferrari... Take note. ... View more

I don't understand the fascination with the Espada. If it had anyone else' name on it instead of Lamborghini, it would have been forgotten. Horribly unbalanced stylistically. Almost makes the Lagonda look normal... almost... ... View more

You have to give additional honorable mentions for the first gen series...and I can speak with authority because I was there during the sales.... My good buddy owned 2 of the 12 RAM AIR II '68 Firebird Convertibles, one which sold at Mecum Indy for $150K in 2014 and his 1969 RAM Air IV Trans Am 4spd sold for $375K 5 yrs ago. Yes, neither 1 of 6, but notable values for first gen regardless. ... View more

I know car nuts encompass all types… but I wouldn’t tow a Rabbit across the street. God bless him. ... View more

What, no side pipes? And you call that a Cobra.... ... View more

Proof for RichH comment: When I completely rebuilt my brake system from new in 2000, I went DOT 5. The pedal doesn't seem a firm as factory with DOT3, but the upside is I've only put 1,500 miles on the car since restoration and haven't touched the fluid once and it still stops exactly as it did in 2000. Not to mention paint safety. ... View more

I had never heard of the Keeble. That's a beautiful GT coupe! ... View more

built by brits, perfected by Americans... ... View more

I had the opportunity to drive a '69 L-88, all original with 14,000 miles with correct repop tires - totally unmodified from the factory. This is a beast - especially combined with the woefully worthless tires. In 4th, at 55mph, punch it and it breaks the tires loose. You have to have your wits about you at all times and in town with city driving - forget it. It wasn't made for that, don't try. It will overheat, it will complain, it doesn't want to go 40mph... ever. Given the value of the car I didn't push the limits, but I also didn't learn when it stops pulling. It truly was a factory race car. ... View more

And us Toyota owners talk about ours well over the 200K mark... Not being flippant, speaking from experience -- 3 SUVS starting with a 1998 4runner, 240K miles, next 195K, and my current has 220K miles - the last 2 being owned since new. Of those 3, I've replace rear hatch handle twice on one, a AC knob on the other, and all 3 had new idler pulleys at some point. That's literally it beyond normal maint. Both the 195k & 220K had/have all original suspension, shocks, etc. I'm sold. ... View more

For Elvis you chose the Pantera and not the BMW 507? ... View more

Give me the 1960 Offy. 1) its cool & beautiful 2) its a replica - many think this is bad, but it makes it affordable and therefore drivable 3) it looks to be authentic enough to give you same thrill as the real deal. ... View more

One simple tip... after a couple of miles, pull over and check your straps tightness. I’ve been shocked after I am sure everything was tight only to find out something shifted and the car wasn’t as secure as I thought. In another case, it turned out a tire that wouldn’t hold pressure and as it went flat, it changed the tension. ALWAYS recheck at every gas stop too. ... View more

I am so happy this article came out because my wife just agreed to let me spend 6 figures on a used car!! (And that my friends... is my April fools joke..) ... View more

How about “GM reviving the Pontiac brand as a 100% all electric, high performance branch of GM” ... View more

I started working on cars well over 40 years ago as a hobbyist- starting with the basics on this list and typically the cheapest you could find (quantity over quality). Then you learn lessons the hard way at the same time disposable income improves so you begin the replacing them with higher quality tools. Next, the process continues by adding specialty tools the pros use and think - “how did I ever live without xxxxx!?” With that in mind, I’d like to see a list/article about “tools you never knew you needed”. I would love to hear what the community thinks. ... View more

I followed Bring-a-Trailer well before they launched online auctions. They fixed everything wrong with the typical online auction from the start.The community that follows each auction is experienced and insightful. I've had friends sell 6 figure cars and they thought the experience was excellent, better than other sites and better than live. I have no affiliation to BaT but I only see them continuing to be a premier auction site and continuing to grow. They will be my first choice. ... View more

Can you imagine how slow the Wildgoose Camper must have been? I would like optional extension bars with wheels to prevent rollovers! Certain things just shouldn't be mashed up. However, Mini Gatto and Broadspeed are clearly the best coachwork, heads and tails above the rest. ... View more

“It just needs a quarter panel and all new sheet metal comes with it” Technically, not advice but the implication is you only need to swap a couple of panels and boom! You’ve got a great car. Unless you know what the heck you’re doing, new quarters or other structural metal is not for the faint of heart. I’ve seen too many projects bought on dreams, not skills. I know this because that describes my first 3 or 4 purchases when I was young and dumb (and tool & skills poor). — and if your thinking 3 or 4?!? yes, it took a awhile to get through my thick skull. ... View more

Hardest question yet!! The problem is those scoops define the cars. A '67 corvette scoop would look down right silly on a Shelby and could you imagine a Mopar 6-pak scoop on a 442? Just wouldn't look right. So, my vote is a "no vote" on the grounds of leading the witness!! 😉 ... View more

Finish Project #1 before (re)starting project #2. I have always had multiple projects going at the same time. But something else always draws my eyes (squirrel!) so then one of the existing projects gets "done enough" to flip so I can buy the new "not so shiny" thing. As a result, I've never really finished a project to my satisfaction or original goal. I started this goal in 2020 by selling off 3 cars, only keeping my 2 favorites. 2021 is about focusing on and finishing project 1. BUY NO NEW PROJECTS - then and only - solely focus on project #2 and see it to completion. ... View more

I own a Cal Ace - which is a 1962 AC Ace “tribute” car built on an MG chassis made in the early 80’s. I know of about 15 cars today.  This year I was able to obtain the original molds for this car, giving me an endless supply of spare body parts! It was a 6 yr journey to gets these and super stoked I have them.    ... View more

I have a 51,000 original mile 100% orig 68 Camaro convertible. I bought it with 48,000 orig miles...21 yrs ago!! 3k miles in 20 years? Not much fun and I constantly refer to it as my albatross. Sitting next to it? An AC Ace replica built on an MG chassis.  It had 3k miles on it in less than 4 months after I bought it and still continues to rack up miles. Which one do you think I have more fun with?   ... View more

What box doesn't it check?  Asymmetric hood!!   #CorvetteSummer ... View more

I am a strong believer in seeing what you got! I used to have much of my hand tools hanging from peg hooks on a full sheet of 8ft X 4ft pegboard. When I moved I decided to go to a much bigger tool chest instead and save some walking. Bought all the little organizers, dividers, blah blah.  Well, after about 9 months, I hung new peg board, emptied my new chest, sold it, and never looked back. I can find what I want in a flash and just as important as I get older - when I'm done with a project I can instantly see dozens of tools and if there missing wrench or socket or screwdriver that I left under the hood or rolled under the seat, I go looking for it.  ... View more

I understand why this wagon was missed  since only 5 were built. All 5 came in Metallic Pea with unmistakable Chevrobuick styling, extremely durable (supposedly could jump 100’ and keep on going), bumpers strong enough to pull a large dog, and a luggage rack big enough for a human body.  Nothing could ever beat the 1983 Queen Family Truckster.  The wagon superior to all wagons before and after it.  And remember, if you think you hate it now, just wait until you drive it! ... View more

I was reading thinking this was a no brainer -Porsche Police car... then I saw the Dormobile and it’s so strikingly weird  ... and I’m sitting at a campsite in my RV right now... I had to step back and think twice.  But while I’m internally trying to decide, what I do know is the last car on earth I want is a Ferrari shooting brake or it’s chromosome missing cousin the FF. I can’t believe they let those cars be seen by the Public. Nothing against shooting brakes, I’d take the Aston DB4 shooting brake in a heartbeat.  ... View more

We have officially owned our very first RV for 4 days. The timing of your article couldn't have been better. Can't wait to share with the wife!  ... View more

Offered to do a simple oil change for a good friend of mine. He was working 2 blocks from my house that day, so, no prob - I'm a good guy, I'll come down, pick up the car, change the oil, and have it back to you before work is over. Everything went to plan... except for backing into a (way too low) concrete post in the parking lot and doing over $500 damage to his car... which I paid to have fixed. Did not have a good day.  ... View more

I am a technologist by trade. Hi-tech is constantly and rapidly changing. Things break through no fault of your own. What you learned last year may have no relevance today.  On the flip side.... The "Pro" of classic car ownership for me is Effort = Rewards. It's predictable, timeless, and knowledge gained has value over many years and usually over many different models.  I can put in maximum effort and know those efforts - when done right - can last a lifetime. There is a tangible result in front of you... to admire, to drive, to enjoy.     Con: There is never enough garage space... ... View more

I run an IT department and what was described in the article is loosely a Kanban style of Agile project management.  I recently started applying this method to my car projects and it works!  Imagine 3 columns: To Do, Working On, and Done. The goal is about “Flow” - move Things from left to right, never allowing the “working on” column to exceed 2 or 3 things at any one time. It’s about getting things done so only when you Finish one task, grab a new one. Haven’t finished? Do that first so you are always making progress and completing tasks. KEY POINT: Break things down so there is constant flow and constant personal reward to keep going.  For example “paint car” doesn’t work.  But something like:  remove front clip, send to have stripped, epoxy fenders, fix dents & rust in fenders, Apply primer filler, block sand, etc etc. ... smaller task to keep the flow going.  Every time you walk out to the garage something is accomplished.  Discouraged? Look at the done column - see how you’ve progressed.  Trust me, I know it sounds like a lot of extra work, but what happens is the focus and motivation levels change, you know exactly what to do, feel good about what was done, so in the end — you are much farther down the project road than if you Hadn’t taken this “extra” step.   There are lots of free software to do this or even better, do what Toyota does - they liters have a bunch of post it notes on a wall with tape lines for columns.   it has changed how I work in my garage.  ... View more

The Honda CB750 in the picture looks identical to the one I owned back in the early 80's. I bought it barely used. That was a great bike and never spent a dime on it.  Meanwhile, my Dad had a 75 Harley that constantly leaked oil, always needed something, and constantly out of tune (my Dad was a mechanic, so it wasn't his skill that was lacking).  His was a hate-hate relationship.  One weekend I guess he got tired of me talking about my bike and next thing I know, a brand new Goldwing was sitting in his garage. This a was monumental change of heart because he was ex-GM union worker and at a time he wouldn't let me park my "fereign" car (280Z ) in the driveway! If a bike can change that attitude, it deserves special recognition! ... View more

I sincerely hope he shares how he developed those panels 'in away than he's never seen done."  I am tackling a project of my own... got the english wheel, sheet metal everywhere, ruined pieces, etc and now he has me second guessing everything.  PLEASE SHARE!! ... View more